extensive
adjective
ex·ten·sive
ik-ˈsten(t)-siv 
1
: having wide or considerable extent
extensive reading
2
3
: of, relating to, or constituting farming in which large areas of land are utilized with minimum outlay and labor
extensively
adverb
extensiveness
noun
Examples of extensive in a Sentence
The storm caused extensive damage.
an extensive series of tests
Recent Examples on the Web
In their coverage of Moniz’s criticism, however, Reuters and the Washington Post did not mention the possible conflict of interest stemming from the former energy secretary’s extensive financial ties to the oil and gas industries — direct competitors to nuclear power.
—
Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 Dec. 2025
Resolving these constraints required extremely fine work on mass distribution, tolerances, and contact points, based on extensive hands-on iteration rather than a purely virtual process.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Dec. 2025
Mold remediation can range from a few hundred dollars for minor surface issues to tens of thousands for extensive contamination behind walls or in HVAC systems.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025
Moran’s deep ties with Wagner Moran Security Group was founded in 2009 and had extensive ties with the infamous Wagner private military contractor, as well as Russia’s military and intelligence services, according to Western intelligence sources.
—Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extensive
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Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 Dec. 2025
Resolving these constraints required extremely fine work on mass distribution, tolerances, and contact points, based on extensive hands-on iteration rather than a purely virtual process.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Dec. 2025
Mold remediation can range from a few hundred dollars for minor surface issues to tens of thousands for extensive contamination behind walls or in HVAC systems.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025
Moran’s deep ties with Wagner Moran Security Group was founded in 2009 and had extensive ties with the infamous Wagner private military contractor, as well as Russia’s military and intelligence services, according to Western intelligence sources.
—Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extensive
Cite this Entry
“Extensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extensive. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
extensive
adjective
ex·ten·sive
ik-ˈsten(t)-siv
: having wide or large extent
extensively
adverb
extensiveness
noun
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